Lionel Smit, born in Pretoria, South Africa in 1982, is a highly acclaimed contemporary artist renowned for his captivating portraiture and profound exploration of identity. His artistic journey, spanning over two decades, has seen his works exhibited extensively across the globe and featured in prestigious collections and institutions worldwide.
Smit's distinctive approach is characterized by a deeply symbiotic relationship between sculpture and painting, where each medium informs and enriches the other.
Smit's work delves into the multifaceted nature of human identity, offering viewers an intimate glimpse into the richness that lies beneath every face. His pieces, whether rendered in bronze or paint, showcase a visible and tangible overlap of techniques across genres. Notably, Smit's painting was exhibited at the National Portrait Gallery in London, where he received the coveted Visitors' Choice - BP Portrait Award in 2013. His solo museum exhibitions include showcases at the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) in Miami and the Didrichsen Art Museum in Helsinki, Finland.

Beyond his gallery and museum presence, Smit's monumental bronze sculptures have graced public spaces, leaving a lasting impression. Significant public installations include "Morphous" in Union Square, New York, and three large bronze sculptures at EJI’s “Freedom Monument Sculpture Park” in Montgomery, Alabama. His studio, located in the historic Paardevlei Precinct in Somerset West, South Africa, is a testament to his artistic vision, designed as a voluminous, church-like space that serves as both a creative hub and a destination for art enthusiasts.